Gluten Hates Me

Thursday, August 12, 2010

It’s all in a pinto…or not

Today was a MUCH better day! Thank you guys for your sweet emails :) It’s always nice to know that we can all be there for each other when we need a little support! So let’s get back to those…

Pinto Beans!! Black-eyed Peas!!!

Have you guys just been dying in anticipation for this recipe? Somehow…I think not. But I’m going to tell you right now, you should have been!!

Not even a year ago, I had never even eaten a black-eyed pea. (And still get them confused with pinto beans) Then my bestie sister made a Hoppin’ Joan salad that changed my life. I think I had avoided them in the past because of their smell when you cook them. Little did I know, they are super delicious!

PLUS they’re really, really good for you. They’re full of soluble fiber, which can help lower bad cholesterol and they pack a protein punch! Full of calcium, folate, and vitamin A…and they’re not full of fat! :) I love their taste…very meaty, with a ton of depth. Want to learn more?

I was going to add some brown rice to this recipe, but I didn’t want to starch it up. However, I highly suggest adding brown rice if you’re not super wary of starch!

To make my super quick lunch, I sautéed one clove of garlic, minced and one small tomato, diced, in one tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat:

After a few minutes, I added the black-eyed peas and cooked for another five. Then I added in a swish of lime juice and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Then I covered the pan with three handfuls of chopped spinach.

Then I covered it with a lid until the spinach was wilted. It’s so amazing how much spinach cooks down! Then I stirred it all together, and served!

Well, actually, I didn’t serve! I tossed it in a tupperware and headed off to work! But this lunch was amazing. Quick and easy. PLUS it really filled me up!